Gen. David Petraeus Better Known, Better Liked After Last Week

[cali]

Sixty-one percent of Americans rate the general favorably in new poll

by Joseph Carroll

GALLUP NEWS SERVICE

PRINCETON, NJ -- A new Gallup Poll suggests that last week's intense schedule of congressional testimony and media appearances by the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, enhanced his image among Americans. Not only did Petraeus' name identification increase significantly in a matter of just a week, but his image also became more favorable than it was just before the week's activities. This occurred in a contentious environment that included the publication of a full-page ad in the New York Times criticizing Petraeus, and much commentary on the truthfulness and accuracy of his testimony. The new poll also shows that Americans are not nearly as familiar with U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker, who also testified before Congress.

According to the Sept. 14-16, 2007 poll, 61% of Americans have a favorable opinion of Petraeus, while 22% have an unfavorable opinion and 18% are not familiar enough with the general to rate him.

Gallup has asked Americans about Petraeus three times, beginning in early August of this year. Americans' ratings of Petraeus have consistently been more positive than negative in all three surveys. In early August, 47% of Americans rated Petraeus favorably, with 21% rating him unfavorably and 32% having no opinion. Petraeus' favorable rating edged up slightly, to 52%, in the final days before his congressional testimony on the situation in Iraq. Now, after last week, his post-testimony favorable rating has jumped to 61%. Petraeus' name identification -- the percentage of Americans who know enough about him to have an opinion -- also jumped from 69% in early September to 83% this past weekend

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http://www.galluppoll.com/content/default.aspx?ci=28726

[cboy4]

1. I wonder how many of that 61 percent were asked if their

support is based in large on sympathy because of the ridiculous outrage over the Moveon.org ad?

And you can thank some of the Democrats for this because of their mock outrage over something so trivial.

[Jacobin]

2. We have no media other than Pravda

and bloggers.

People watch tv news for a few minutes and then go off to work, for the most part

[Disturbed]

3. Any Poll is based upon who is asked and how they are asked.

With this Poll it isn't clear on that is it?

The US Corp. Media pushed a favorable perception of this General because the Regime in charge favors the Corps. Of course, framing this General in a glowing manner is good for the Corp Media & most US Multi-Corps who are reaping great profits from the US Occupation of Iraq.

[cali]

5. Well, if you go by the any publicity is good publicity maxim

this poll makes sense.

[karynnj]

6. or you can thank Moveon,

for calling him General Betrayus, which the majority of people not on the left thought was a cheap shot.

[cboy4]

7. I understand your point about Moveon.org -- not that I care

whether a majority of right wingers thought it was a cheap shot.

I'm more irritated with those gutless Democrats who voted for the censure, considering there is such a thing as free speech in this country the last time I checked.

And for the record, I would have been opposed to a censure of the lying Swiftboaters.

[karynnj]

9. I'm not speaking of the RW - they are unreachable

I don't agree with censuring only that ad. I do think it helped Petraeus, thus Bush.

When I said non left, that left the broad middle. I likely should have said "far left". There was no polling on polling report.com on of what Democrats thought - but I would guess well over half did not like it.

Why would you have objected to a censure of the SBVT after the Navy and Senator John Warner both affirmed Kerry's medals?

[cboy4]

11. Because it opens the door to a back and forth waste of time

debate in congress about every ad from each side that the other deems inappropriate.

Where would it end?

Each side has the right to criticize ads, but this is a free speech issue.

Congress should have better things to do than debate the first amendment.

[OHdem10]

4. Gallop admits it is weigjhted heavily Republican.

Other polls CNN, MSNB reported indicate the Dems and Indpendents
have not changed their position on the war. This is what is important

For gosh sakes I had a favorable impression of him. That is not the
issue.

[proud2BlibKansan]

8. And how many of that 61% also believe Saddam was responsible for 9/11?

[Cha]

10. Exactly.

Unfortunately, betrayus will more than surpass the name the soldiers gave to him.